This month’s grit and growth theme is transitions.

For college athletes, this time of year often brings big shifts. Some are returning to campus after a summer of training or recovery. Teams are starting fresh, with the excitement and hope that comes from a clean slate. New players are settling into what will become their lives for the next four years.

We also hear from many athletes that transitions can feel heavy and overwhelming. If that’s you, know this: it’s completely normal. There’s nothing wrong with you. Give yourself time to adjust — things rarely fall into place overnight. 

Here are a few small but meaningful ways to care for yourself during this season of change:

• Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day.

• Prioritize sleep. Aim for around seven hours a night to give your body the rest it needs.

• Fuel wisely. The food you eat replenishes your energy — make choices that help your body recover and perform.

• Establish a routine. Routines can serve as an anchor, your brain needs consistency in order to thrive.  Build a schedule that prioritizes sleep, meals, movement, and hydration.

• Remind yourself that you belong.  You’ve earned this opportunity through your hard work and dedication—and you were chosen to be here for a reason.

• Find support beyond athletics. Identify two people who can remind you who you are outside of your sport.  I lived in a townhouse with 2 other runners and a dear friend who was not on an athletic team.  She was the MVP of the house most days and kept us all grounded in reality with helpful reminders that it’s not exactly *normal* to run 18 miles on a Sunday morning.

For new players, you may feel these experiences immediately or sometimes the feelings are delayed due to the excitement of finally being on your new team at your new University. Remember, if it feels hard that’s because it is hard, not because you’re doing anything wrong.  You’re also not the only one feeling overwhelmed and we stay ready to help you.

The resilience report this month features a retired runner who made a decision to go to Costco during UVA’s move-in weekend.  The endurance and strength that was required to make it in and out of there with a rotisserie chicken and case of water was remarkable. 

Just kidding…This month we are highlighting that after 163 attempts, Tommy Fleetwood finally got a PGA victory at the Tour Championship.  This breakthrough came after a season filled with several close calls and was celebrated widely- highlighting by many famous phenoms including: Tiger Woods, Justin Rose, Lebron James, Caitlin Clark, and Carlos Alcaraez, all who were eager to celebrate Fleetwood’s unwavering perseverance.  At the highest levels, where physical skills are nearly equal, it’s often mental strength that separates the good from the great. 

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